Managing the performance of Windows-based workloads can be a challenge. Whether physical PCs or virtual desktops, the effort required to maintain, tune and optimize workspaces is endless. Operating system and application revisions, user installed applications, security and bug patches, BIOS and driver updates, spyware, multi-user operating systems supply a continual flow of change that can disrupt expected performance. When you add in the complexities introduced by virtual desktops and cloud architectures, you have added another infinite source of performance instability. Keeping up with this churn, as well as meeting users’ zero tolerance for failures, are chief worries for administrators.

To help address the need for uniform performance and optimization in light of constant change, Liquidware introduced the Process Optimization feature in its Stratusphere UX solution. This feature can be set to automatically optimize CPU and Memory, even as system demands fluctuate. Process Optimization can keep “bad actor” applications or runaway processes from crippling the performance of users’ workspaces by prioritizing resources for those being actively used over not used or background processes. The Process Optimization feature requires no additional infrastructure. It is a simple, zero-impact feature that is included with Stratusphere UX. It can be turned on for single machines, or groups, or globally. Launched with the check of a box, you can select from pre-built profiles that operate automatically. Or administrators can manually specify the processes they need to raise, lower or terminate, if that task becomes required. This feature is a major benefit in hybrid multi-platform environments that include physical, pool or image-based virtual and cloud workspaces, which are much more complex than single-delivery systems. The Process Optimization feature was designed with security and reliability in mind. By default, this feature employs a “do no harm” provision affecting normal and lower process priorities, and a relaxed policy. No processes are forced by default when access is denied by the system, ensuring that the system remains stable and in line with requirements.

While VMware Horizon provides a powerful virtualization platform, technologies and capabilities like Microsoft Windows, Active Directory, authentication, DNS, network, group policy, and third-party apps must work seamlessly to provide a great digital employee experience. This eBook will focus on improving the logon duration for EUC and VDI deployments.

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This year’s Weak Password Report highlights why passwords are still the weakest link in an organization’s network, and how stronger password policy enforcement can be your best defense.

The 2023 password report unveils keys themes in password creation that include:

• ‘Soccer’ tops the related terms list with over 140,000 inclusions
• Top 10 base words from the Nvidia breach
• 88% of passwords used in attacks were 12 characters or less
• The most common base term found in passwords used to attack networks across multiple ports is still password

Download the report to uncover information from an analysis of 800 million breached passwords and passwords found in live attacks on our team’s honeypot network.

Microsoft Active Directory (AD) is arguably the most common identity and access management platform in today’s enterprise and as a result, a prime target for cyber-attacks. Microsoft Active Directory is used in approximately 90% of the Global Fortune 1000 companies as the primary means of authentication and authorization to resources. This statistical picture holds true in the SMB market as well. As a result, most organizations today use Active Directory to implement their password security and password policies.

Active Directory, by default, contains the ability to create basic password policies. Are these enough to protect your organization from attackers? In this comprehensive guide we look at five ways to strengthen your existing Active Directory Password Policy and explore additional solutions available to ensure complete confidence in your first line of defense.

Let's look closer at native Active Directory password settings and see which settings are found in the default password policies businesses use with Active Directory. Download the whitepaper to learn the five ways to strengthen your Active Directory Password Policy.

Remote and hybrid work environments mean IT Service Desks have a new set of complex challenges to navigate while maintaining a trusted level of security. Navigate the IT service desk in a remote & hybrid work environment more efficiently.

We examine the common driver for Service Desk tickets including network access, cached credentials workarounds, and password resets. All of which can present unique cyber-security challenges that require change for increased efficiency, productivity and security.

Download the whitepaper to learn what the Specops Software cybersecurity team recommends increasing efficiency without sacrificing security.